Most of you have probably heard about the Nikon V3 - the newest in the mirrorless lineup. With this there is another announcement of the 70-300 CX format lens. The camera has a 2.7 crop factor, so the effective focal length on the lens is 190-810. The camera is prices at $1199 with a kit lens, grip and electronic viewfinder. The 70-300 is priced at $997.

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Pro...ikon-1-V3.html

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Pro...2F4.5-5.6.html


A few of the key features:
18.4 megapixel sensor
20 fps at 12 bit 18.4 MP RAW files
Hybrid Phase Detect/Contrast Detect AF system
EXPEED 4A processor based on the D4
171 AF points /105 AF points with Phase Detect AF
AF Tracking for moving subjects


For advanced photographers you have to consider the Nikon mirrorless kit as different than a DSLR. For a single frame, the D800E is better. For low light work, the D4, D3s, and D800 are better. But there are many situations with good lighting where the V3 is a viable option. 20fps is a huge advantage for fast moving birds approaching a feeder or a roost.

810mm equivalent focal length i s nothing to overlook. This system provides a reasonable alternative for consumer long zooms. And its a lot lighter to carry. The small size let's you add this to a DSLR and big lens kit to provide another option.

My experience with the Nikon 1 system is much like the first steps from film to digital. We're still in the early stages of a move to mirrorless. There are some missing features and layout aspects I don't really like yet. But this is a combination that makes me take notice for bird photography, and I'm already hearing a lot of bird photographers that are putting in pre-orders.